Collapsible structures

ABSTRACT

Collapsible structures include one or more add-on panels that are coupled to the underlying collapsible structure to improve the variety of play, entertainment value, and utility of these collapsible structures. Each of these collapsible structures incorporate at least one foldable frame member, and fabric covering portions of the frame member. The collapsible structures can be collapsed into a smaller configuration by twisting and folding the at least one frame member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to collapsible structures, and inparticular, to modifications and additions to currently-knowncollapsible structures to enhance the utility and variety of use forthese collapsible structures.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] There are presently many collapsible structures that are beingprovided for use by children and adults. Examples of these collapsiblestructures are illustrated in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No.5,816,954 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,772 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No.5,778,915 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No.5,975,101 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,446 (Zheng), U.S. Pat. No.4,858,634 (McLeese), U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,592 (Norman), U.S. Pat. No.5,964,533 (Ziglar), U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,188 (Kellogg et al.), and U.S.Pat. No. 5,038,812 (Norman), among others. These collapsible structuresare supported by one or more frame members that can be twisted andfolded to reduce the overall size of the structure. These collapsiblestructures can be used in a wide variety of applications, such ascontainers, tents, play structures, executive toys, shelters, sportsstructures, and others. As a result, collapsible structures have becomevery popular.

[0005] Even though these collapsible structures exhibit surprisingversatility in their utility and wide-ranging applications, the consumeris always demanding greater enhancements, better and more features,added convenience, and other related factors. Thus, there remains a needto provide collapsible structures that have increased variety of play,entertainment value, and utility.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present invention provides collapsible structures thatprovide additional panels and other features to known collapsiblestructures in order to improve the variety of play, entertainment value,and utility of these collapsible structures. These collapsiblestructures can be easily and quickly folded and collapsed into a compactconfiguration.

[0007] In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention, thecollapsible structures according to the present invention include one ormore add-on panels that are coupled to the underlying collapsiblestructure to improve the variety of play, entertainment value, andutility of these collapsible structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional collapsiblestructure;

[0009]FIG. 1A is a partial cut-away view of the section A of thestructure of FIG. 1 illustrating a frame member retained within asleeve;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011]FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a collapsible structureaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIGS. 5(A) through 5(E) illustrate how the collapsible structureof FIG. 1 may be twisted and folded for compact storage;

[0013] FIGS. 6-8 are perspective views of collapsible structuresaccording to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0014]FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the construction of the overlappingpanels in FIG. 8;

[0015]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure accordingto another embodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate how the structure of FIG. 11 may betwisted and folded for compact storage;

[0017]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure accordingto yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIGS. 15, 16 and 18 illustrate modifications that can be made tothe collapsible structure of FIG. 14;

[0019]FIG. 17 illustrates how the structure of FIG. 16 may be twistedand folded for compact storage;

[0020]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the frame member for aconventional figure-eight collapsible structure;

[0021]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a conventional figure-eightcollapsible structure incorporating the frame member of FIG. 19;

[0022] FIGS. 21-23 illustrate how the collapsible structure of FIG. 20may be twisted and folded for compact storage;

[0023]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure accordingto another embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 25 illustrates how the collapsible structure of FIG. 24 maybe twisted and folded for compact storage;

[0025]FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate modifications that can be made to thecollapsible structure of FIG. 24;

[0026] FIGS. 28-29 illustrate how the collapsible structure of FIG. 27may be twisted and folded for compact storage;

[0027]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure accordingto another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 31 illustrates how the collapsible structure of FIG. 30 maybe twisted and folded for compact storage; and

[0029]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a collapsible structure accordingto yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The following detailed description is of the best presentlycontemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description isnot to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purposeof illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. Thescope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0031] The present invention provides collapsible structures thatprovide additional panels and other features to known collapsiblestructures in order to improve the variety of play, entertainment value,and utility of these collapsible structures. As used herein, the terms“hingedly coupled” or “hingedly connected” mean to couple two edges bystitching or by the use of removable attachment mechanisms, such asVelcro™ pads or opposing toggles and loops (as illustrated in FIG. 32).In addition, the term “add-on panel” means a panel that is not needed toform the basic underlying structure of a collapsible structure (i.e.,not needed to provide basic support and stability to the collapsiblestructure), and which is provided to be an addition to the basicunderlying structure to enhance the aesthetics, utility, amusement, playor variety of the basic underlying structure, or to add features to thebasic underlying structure. In addition, all add-on panels as describedherein can have the same construction as any of the panels 22 in FIG. 1,except that the shapes and sizes may be varied as desired.

[0032]FIG. 1 illustrates a collapsible structure 20 that is made up of aplurality of panels that are hingedly coupled together. FIG. 1corresponds to FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,772, whose entiredisclosure is hereby incorporated by this reference as though fully setforth herein. The structure 20 has four panels 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 dconnected to each other to encircle an enclosed space. Each side panel22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d has four sides, a left side 26 a, a bottomside 26 b, a right side 26 c and a top side 26 d. Each side panel 22 a,22 b, 22 c and 22 d has a continuous frame retaining sleeve 24 a, 24 b,24 c or 24 d provided along and traversing the four edges of its foursides 26 a, 26 b, 26 c and 26 d. A continuous frame member 28 a, 28 b,28 c or 28 d is retained or held within each frame retaining sleeve 24a, 24 b, 24 c or 24 d, respectively, to support each side panel 22 a, 22b, 22 c and 22 d. Only the frame member 28 c is shown in FIG. 1A; theother frame members 28 a, 28 b and 28 d are not shown but are the sameas frame member 28 c.

[0033] The continuous frame members 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d may beprovided as one continuous loop, or may comprise a strip of materialconnected at both ends to form a continuous loop. The continuous framemembers 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d are preferably formed of flexiblecoilable steel, although other materials such as plastics may also beused. The frame members should be made of a material which is relativelystrong and yet is flexible to a sufficient degree to allow it to becoiled. The material should have a memory that allows the frame membersto spring back to the expanded position when unfolded from the foldedposition. Thus, each frame member 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d is capableof assuming two positions or orientations, an open or expanded positionsuch as shown in FIG. 1, or a folded position in which the frame memberis collapsed into a size which is much smaller than its open position.

[0034] Fabric or sheet material 30 a, 30 b, 30 c and 30 d extends acrosseach side panel 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d, respectively, and is heldtaut by the respective frame members 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d when inits open position. The term fabric is to be given its broadest meaningand should be made from strong, lightweight materials and may includewoven fabrics, sheet fabrics or even films. The fabric should bewater-resistant and durable to withstand the wear and tear associatedwith rough treatment by children. The frame members 28 a, 28 b, 28 c and28 d may be merely retained within the respective frame retainingsleeves 24 a, 24 b, 24 c and 24 c without being connected thereto.Alternatively, the frame retaining sleeves 24 a, 24 b, 24 c and 24 d maybe mechanically fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the frame members28 a, 28 b, 28 c and 28 d, respectively, to retain them in position.

[0035] The other details relating to the structure 20 are set forth ingreater detail in the specification and drawings of U.S. Pat. No.6,006,772, and shall not be repeated herein. However, FIGS. 5(A) through5(E) correspond to FIGS. 8(A) through 8(E) of U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,772,and illustrate how the structure 20 can be twisted and folded to reducethe structure 20 into a collapsed configuration having a reduced size.In FIG. 5(A), the first step consists of pushing in panels 22 a and 22 dsuch that panel 22 d collapses upon panel 22 c and panel 22 a collapsesupon panel 22 b. Then, in the second step shown in FIG. 8B, the twopanels 22 a and 22 b are folded so as to be collapsed upon the twopanels 22 c and 22 d. The structure is then twisted and folded tocollapse the frame members and side panels into a smaller shape. In thethird step shown in FIG. 8C, the opposite border 44 of the structure isfolded in upon the previous fold to further collapse the frame memberswith the panels. As shown in FIG. 8D, the fourth step is to continue thecollapsing so that the initial size of the structure is reduced. FIG. 8Eshows the fifth step with the frame members and panels collapsed on eachother to provide for a small essentially compact configuration having aplurality of concentric frame members and layers of the side panels sothat the collapsed structure has a size which is a fraction of the sizeof the initial structure.

[0036] The structure 20 has many uses, including as a play structure andshelter, among others, and can even be used as a container, asillustrated in some of the embodiments of U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,772. Inthis regard, FIG. 2 illustrates the structure 130 of FIG. 9 in U.S. Pat.No. 6,006,772, except that an additional (i.e., add-on) panel 131 hasbeen hingedly coupled to the upper edge 144 of one panel 136 to act as alid, for example. In particular, the structure 130 in FIG. 2 is similarto structure 20, and has four panels 132, 134, 136 and 138. Panels 132,134, 136 and 138 have essentially the same structure and construction,and are hingedly connected to each other in the same manner, as thepanels 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d of structure 20. As with structure 20,an upper fabric 156 is connected to the upper edges 140, 142, 144, 146of each panel 132, 134, 136, 138, respectively. The panel 131 has anedge 133 that is hingedly coupled to the upper edge 144 of the panel136. The panel 131 can be pivoted about its hinged-connection at theedges 133 and 144 to an opened position where the panel 131 is adjacentthe panel 136, and to a closed position where the panel 131 ispositioned on top of the fabric 156 and covering the opening 160.

[0037]FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate how the principles illustrated in FIG. 2can be extended to create play structures having increased play variety.The structure 50 in FIGS. 3 and 4 has four panels 52, 54, 56 and 58 thathave essentially the same structure and construction, and are hingedlyconnected to each other in the same manner, as the panels 22 a, 22 b, 22c and 22 d of structure 20. The only difference is that the shapes ofthe panels 52 and 56 are slightly different in that their two sides 60and 62 have different lengths, and the upper side has a horizontalsection 64 and an angled section 66. In addition, the panel 54 isshorter in height than the panel 58. A fabric roof 68 can extend acrossthe upper side 70 of the panel 58, and the section 64 of the panels 52and 56 to partially cover the structure 50, leaving an open uncoveredspace 74. These modifications result in a structure 50 that can beconfigured to resemble a gas station (see FIG. 3) or a vehicle (see FIG.4). An opening 72 can be provided in the panel 54 to allow access to andfrom the interior of the structure 50.

[0038] A first add-on panel 76 has an edge 78 that is hingedly coupledto the upper edge 80 of the panel 54. The panel 76 can be pivoted aboutits hinged connection at the edges 78 and 80 to either cover the space74 (which can be sized and configured to be similar to the size andshape of the panel 76), or to a position where the panel 76 is adjacentthe panel 54 to cover the opening 72. Both sides of the panel 76 can beprovided with different designs and indicia to fit the theme of thestructure 50. For example, one side of the panel 76 can have the words“GAS STATION” and “MINI MART” (as shown in FIG. 3) exhibited when thepanel 76 covers the space 74, so that children can “enter” the mini martvia opening 72. The other side of the panel 76 can be decorated to looklike the front of a vehicle (see FIG. 4) when the panel 76 is adjacentthe panel 54, with the open space 74 functioning as an open windshield.

[0039] A second add-on panel 84 has an edge 86 that is hingedly coupledto the fabric 88 of the panel 52. The panel 84 can be pivoted about itshinged connection at the edge 86 and the fabric 88 to either cover alower portion 90 of the panel 52 or an upper portion 92 of the panel 52.The lower portion 90 can include depictions of two wheels, and the upperportion 92 can include depictions of two gasoline machines. Thus, whenthe panel 84 covers the lower portion 90 (see FIG. 3), and if the otheradd-on panel 76 covers the space 74, then the structure 50 can be acombined gasoline station and mini-mart. In this regard, one side of thepanel 84 can be decorated with gas pump designs so that it will match(i.e., form a part of) the designs in the upper portion 92 of the panel52. On the other hand, when the panel 84 covers the upper portion 92(see FIG. 4), and if the other add-on panel 76 is adjacent the panel 54,then the structure 50 can be a vehicle. As a result, by providing one ormore “add-on” panels 76 and 84 that are hingedly coupled to selectedportions of certain panels of the underlying structure 50, the structure50 can be made into two different objects, thereby increasing theamusement and play value. The add-on panels 76 and 84 can have the sameconstruction as any of the panels 22 in FIG. 1.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, it is also possible to provide additionaladd-on panels 94, 96, 98 at the same location of the hinged couplingbetween the upper edge 80 of the panel 54 and the edge 78 of the firstadd-on panel 76. Each of these panels 94, 96, 98 can be hingedly coupledto the upper edge 80 of the panel 54, and both sides of each of thesepanels 94, 96, 98 can also be decorated with different designs andindicia, so that each panel 76, 94, 96 and 98 can represent differentthemes. As a result, the user will be able to select the desiredtheme(s) depending on the panels 76, 94, 96 and 98 deployed, therebyincreasing the play variety and amusement value of the structure 50.

[0041] The structure 50 can be folded and collapsed by first folding thepanels 76, 94, 96 and 98 against the panel 54 to create a stack of fivepanels 54, 76, 94, 96, 98 (in this order), and then folding the panel 84in either direction against the panel 52 to provide a four-sidedstructure similar to structure 20. The four-sided structure 50 can thenbe folded and collapsed using the steps illustrated in FIGS. 5(A)through 5(E).

[0042]FIG. 6 illustrates another structure 100 that has four panels 102,104, 106 and 108 that have essentially the same structure andconstruction, and are hingedly connected to each other in the samemanner, as the panels 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d of structure 20. Theonly difference is that the panels 102, 104, 106, 108 are shapeddifferently, having angled side edges 110 and 112, and with the upperedge 114 being shorter than the lower edge 116. Four add-on panels 118,120, 122, 124 are hinged coupled at their respective lower edges 126 tothe lower edges 116 of the panels 102, 104, 106, 108. Each of the add-onpanels 118, 120, 122, 124 can have generally the same configuration andsize as the panels 102, 104, 106, 108. Additional fabric 128 can bestitched to the sides 119 and 121 of adjacent add-on panels 118, 120,122, 124 to create an enclosure that is defined by the add-on panels118, 120, 122, 124. In addition, each add-on panel 118, 120, 122, 124can be provided with an opening 129 to provide access to the interiordefined by the panels 102, 104, 106, 108, 118, 120, 122, 124. Thestructure 100 can be folded and collapsed by first folding the panels118, 120, 122, 124 against the panels 102, 104, 106, 108, respectively,and then folding and collapsing using the steps illustrated in FIGS.5(A) through 5(E).

[0043]FIG. 7 illustrates modifications that can be made to the structure100. The structure 170 in FIG. 7 has four panels 172, 174, 176 and 178that can be the same as panels 102, 104, 106, 108, and which arehingedly connected to each other in the same manner. Instead of oneadd-on panel (e.g., 118, 120, 122, 124) for each panel 172, 174, 176 and178 of the structure 170, the panels 172 and 176 can be provided withoutany fabric, but each is hingedly coupled to a pair of add-on panels. Forexample, a first add-on panel 180 has a lower edge 182 that is hingedlycoupled to the lower edge of the panel 172, and a second add-on panel184 has a lower edge 186 that is hingedly coupled to the upper edge 188of the panel 180. The upper edge 190 of the second add-on panel 184 isremovably attached (e.g., by Velcro™ pads) to the upper edge 192 of thepanel 172. Add-on panels 194 and 196 that are similar to add-on panels180 and 184, respectively, can be hingedly coupled to the opposing panel176 using the same connections as for panels 180 and 184. Side fabric198 can be stitched to the sides (e.g., 193 and 195) of the panels 172,180 to form a left extension to the internal space defined by the panels172, 174, 176, 178, and side fabric 200 can be stitched to the sides(e.g., 197 and 199) of the panels 176, 194 to form a right extension tothe internal space defined by the panels 172, 174, 176, 178. The secondadd-on panels 184 and 196 can be detached from the panels 172 and 176,respectively, and then folded against the first add-on panels 180 and194, respectively, and then each stack of add-on panels 180+184 and194+196 can be folded against the panels 172 and 176, respectively. Atthis point, the structure 170 will resemble a four-sided structure thatcan be folded and collapsed using the same steps illustrated in FIGS.5(A) through 5(E), or the four-sided structure 170 may be used in thisconfiguration. In any case, the add-on panels 180+184 and 194+196provide the user with the option to change the configuration andinternal size of the base structure 170.

[0044]FIG. 8 illustrates another structure 201 having four panels 202,204, 206, 208 that have essentially the same structure and construction,and are hingedly connected to each other in the same manner, as thepanels 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d of structure 20. The panel 208 can beprovided without any fabric material, but has two crossing oroverlapping add-on panels 210 and 212 hingedly coupled to its upper edge214 and its lower edge 216, respectively. The construction of theoverlapping add-on panels 210 and 212 is illustrated in greater detailin FIGS. 9 and 10, which correspond to FIGS. 1A and 3, respectively, ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,975,101, whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporatedby this reference as though fully set forth herein.

[0045] In particular, each add-on panel 210 and 212 is defined by aseparate resilient frame members 222 and 224, respectively, thattogether define the outer boundary of the overlapping panels 210, 212.Each frame member 222 and 224 can be the same as the frame member 28 cin FIGS. 1 and 1A, and are fitted within each other, and overlap orcross-over each other at overlapping points 226 and 228. The overlappingpoint 226 is defined by the intersection or crossing of the upper edges230 and 234 of frame members 222 and 224, respectively, and theoverlapping point 228 is defined by the intersection or crossing of thelower edges 232 and 236 of frame members 222 and 224, respectively. Theoverlapping points 226 and 228 can be positioned anywhere along theupper edge 230 or lower edge 232 of the frame member 222, and anywherealong the upper edge 234 or lower edge 236 of the frame member 224. Thetwo overlapping frame members 222 and 224 are pivotable about theiroverlapping points 226 and 228 between two positions, a first completelyopen position in which both frame members 222 and 224 lie flat in aboutthe same plane, and a second folded position in which the frame members222 and 224 are folded towards each other (such as in the direction ofarrows 270 a and 270 b in FIG. 9) to overlie each other. Each framemember 222 and 224 is retained in a loop retaining portion of one ormore fabric pieces. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, two fabric pieces240 and 242 are provided, one for each frame member 222 and 224,respectively. Each fabric piece 240 and 242 covers (either partially orcompletely) and forms a panel 210 or 212 within the respective framemember 222 or 224, and is preferably held in tension with the framemember 222 or 224.

[0046] The other details relating to the overlapping panels 210 and 212are set forth in greater detail in the specification and drawings ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,975,101, and shall not be repeated herein.

[0047] Referring back to FIG. 8, the overlapping panels 210, 212 can becollapsed against each other in the direction of arrow 270 (which is thesame direction as arrows 270 a and 270 b) to form a stack of collapsedoverlapping panels 210, 212 that can be pushed against the panel 208 toform an end wall. In addition, another add-on panel 214 can be hingedlycoupled to an outer edge 216 of the panel 212. The panel 214 can befolded against the stack of panels 210, 212, and the resulting structure200 will resemble a four-sided structure that can be folded andcollapsed using the same steps illustrated in FIGS. 5(A) through 5(E).

[0048]FIG. 11 illustrates yet another structure 260 having a basicstructure defined by three panels 262, 264, 266, each of which can havethe same structure and construction as the panels 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and22 d of structure 20. The opposing edges 268 and 272 of the panel 264are hingedly connected to edges 274 and 276 of the panels 262 and 266,respectively. The panels 262, 264 and 266 are positioned to be angledwith respect to each other and the ground so that panels 262 and 264will be upright (but at an angle) as shown in FIG. 11. Panel 266 can besupported, for example, against a wall to provide sufficient support tomaintain the panels 262 and 264 upright as shown in FIG. 11. Add-onpanels 278, 280 and 282 can be assembled to be hingedly coupled to thepanels 262, 264, 266. For example, the upper edges 284 and 286 of panels280 and 282, respectively, can be stitched to the fabric 288 of thepanel 278, the lower edge 290 of the panel 280 can be stitched to thefabric 292 of the panel 262, and the lower edge 294 of the panel 282 canbe removably attached (e.g., by Velcro™ pads) to the fabric 296 of thepanel 264.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the structure 260 can becollapsed into a smaller configuration by detaching the removableconnection between the lower edge 294 of the panel 282 and the fabric296 of the panel 264. Then, the add-on panels 282 and 278 can be foldedagainst add-on panel 280 (see FIG. 12), and the panels 264 and 266 canbe folded against the panel 262 (see FIG. 12) to form two stacks ofthree panels 278+280+282 and 262+264+266 (see FIG. 13). The two stacksof three panels 278+280+282 and 262+264+266 can be stacked together, andfolded and collapsed using the steps illustrated in FIGS. 5(C) through5(E).

[0050] FIGS. 14-18 illustrate how the principles of the presentinvention can be extended to a different type of collapsible structurehaving a base panel.

[0051]FIG. 14 illustrates a collapsible structure 300 having twoseparate panels 302 and 304 that are coupled together to form anenclosed space 306. One panel 302 may be a base panel that is adapted tohave one side resting on a ground or surface, and the other panel 304may be a wall panel that spans and covers the enclosed space 306. Thepanel 302 has two opposing end edges 308 and 310, and two opposing sideedges 312 and 314 that are connected to the end edges 308 and 310 toform a generally four-sided configuration. The panel 304 also has twoopposing end edges 316 and 318, and two opposing side edges 320 and 322that are connected to the end edges 316 and 318 to form a generallyfour-sided configuration that has been bent to form a U-shapedconfiguration. The end edges 308 and 310 of the panel 302 are coupled tothe end edges 316 and 318, respectively, of the panel 304 via any numberof known methods. For example, the end edges 308 and 310 can be directlystitched to the end edges 316 and 318, respectively, as shown in FIGS.14 and 15. Alternatively, the end edges 316 and 318 can be stitched tothe fabric 324 of the base panel 302 at locations offset from the endedges 308 and 310 of the base panel 302, as shown in FIG. 16. As yet afurther alternative, two interconnecting fabric pieces (not shown) canbe stitched to the end edges 308, 310 and 316, 318 of the panels 302 and304, respectively. Although illustrated as being generally four-sided innature, the panels 302 and 304 can assume any configuration, such ascircular, oval, rectangular, square, trapezoidal, or irregular.

[0052] As with the panels 22 described above, each panel 302, 304 has acontinuous frame retaining sleeve provided along and traversing theedges of its sides. A continuous frame member (which can be the same asframe member 28) is retained or held within each frame retaining sleeveto support the respective panel 302, 304. Fabric or sheet material 324(which can be the same as fabric 30) extends across each panel 302, 304and is held taut by the respective frame members when each panel is inits open position.

[0053] Thus, the flexible and coilable nature of the frame membersallows the wall panel 304 to be flexed so that its end edges 316 and 318can be positioned at or adjacent the end edges 308 and 310 of the basepanel 302. In this regard, the flexing of the wall panel 304 obviatesthe need to otherwise provide a plurality (e.g., at least three) ofseparate panels to enclose the space 306. The base panel 302 functionsto hold the wall panel 304 in its flexed configuration.

[0054] Add-on panels 326 and 328 can be added to the basic structuredefined by the panels 302, 304. For example, a first add-on panel 326can be hingedly connected to the central portion of the edge 320 ofpanel 304, and can be used as a pivoting end door. A second add-on panel328 can be hingedly connected to a side of the edge 322 of panel 304,and can also be used as another pivoting end door.

[0055] The structure 300 can be folded and collapsed in the followingmanner. First, the add-on panels 326 and 328 are pivoted against thewall panel 304 to overlie portions of the wall panel 304. For example,add-on panel 326 is pivoted upwardly to lie over the top of the wallpanel 304. Then, the base panel 302 is pushed against the wall panel 304(and the add-on panels 326, 328 that are stacked therewith) to form onestack of panels 302, 304, 326, 328 that can be twisted and folded inaccordance with the steps shown in FIGS. 5C through 5E.

[0056]FIG. 15 illustrates certain modifications that can be made to thestructure 300 shown in FIG. 14. The add-on panels 326 and 328 arereplaced by two different add-on panels 330 and 332. For example, theadd-on panel 330 can be hingedly connected to the central portion of theedge 322 of panel 304, and can be pivoted to cover the top of the panel304. In this regard, the fabric 324 at the top (i.e., center) of thepanel 304 is omitted, so that the top of the structure 300 is opened. Asa result, the add-on panel 330 can act as a pivoting roof. Anotheradd-on panel 332 can be hingedly connected (e.g., by stitching) to thefabric 324 of the panel 304 along one side, and can be pivoted up anddown to form a side awning that provides shade to people seatedunderneath. Therefore, the structure 300 in FIG. 15 can be a large tenthaving a pivoting roof panel 330, and a pivoting awning panel 332.

[0057]FIG. 16 illustrates further modifications that can be made to thestructure 300 shown in FIG. 14. First, an add-on ring of panels 340,342, 344 and 346 is provided. This ring of panels 340, 342, 344 and 346can have essentially the same structure and construction, and arehingedly connected to each other in the same manner, as the panels 22 a,22 b, 22 c and 22 d of structure 20. The lower edge 348 of one panel 340can be stitched to the center of edge 320 of the wall panel 304, and thelower edges 348 of the other add-on panels 342, 344, 346 are notconnected to the wall panel 304. Instead, each of the lower edges 348 ofthe other add-on panels 342, 344, 346 are rested on top of the wallpanel 304. Thus, the ring of panels 340, 342, 344 and 346 can be used todefine another enclosure above the roof defined by the wall panel 304.In addition, another add-on panel 350 can be hingedly connected to theedge 312 of panel 302, and can also be used as a pivoting end door.

[0058]FIG. 17 illustrates how the structure 300 can be collapsed forstorage. First, the ring of panels 340, 342, 344 and 346 is folded inthe manner shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B to create a stack of four panels340, 342, 344 and 346 that can be pivoted against the interior of thewall panel 304 (see arrow 352), or on top of the wall panel 304 (seearrow 353) to form a stack of five panels 304, 340, 342, 344 and 346.The add-on panel 350 is then pivoted against the interior of the basepanel 302 (see arrow 354). The base panel 302 (and the add-on panel 350)is then pushed against the top panel 304 (and the add-on panels 340,342, 344 and 346 that are stacked therewith) to form one stack of panelsthat can be twisted and folded in accordance with the steps shown inFIGS. 5C through 5E.

[0059]FIG. 18 illustrates yet another possible modification to thestructure 300 of FIG. 14. In FIG. 18, the base panel 302 has beenomitted, and a fabric piece 258 is stitched to a central portion of theedge 320 of the panel 304 to form the desired curved configuration forthe panel 304. A first add-on panel 260 can be hingedly coupled to thecenter portion of the edge 320 to act as a pivoting end door, a secondadd-on panel 262 can be removably attached (e.g., by Velcro™ pads) tothe edge 322, and a third add-on panel 264 can be hingedly connected(e.g., by stitching) to the fabric 324 of the panel 304 along one sidethereof.

[0060]FIG. 20 illustrates a collapsible structure 460 that is made up ofa single figure-eight frame member 450 shown in FIG. 19. FIGS. 19 and 20correspond to FIGS. 1 and 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,892, whose entiredisclosure is hereby incorporated by this reference as though fully setforth herein. The figure-eight configuration of the frame member 450 ischaracterized by a left loop 452 separated from a right loop 453 by acrossover point 454. The loops 452 and 453 have straight portions 455and 456, respectively, for resting on a flat surface when the structure460 is in the configuration shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The frame member450 can be formed from any of the materials used for the frame members28 above. The figure-eight configuration shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 can beformed by a single 360 degree twist of the frame member 450.

[0061] The structure 460 has left and right frame retaining sleeves 462and 464, respectively, which retain the frame member 450. The sleeves462 and 464 also define straight portions 474 and 476, respectively toretain the straight portions 455 and 456, respectively. Fabric 470 and472 can be stitched or otherwise attached to the sleeves 464 and 464,respectively. Referring to FIG. 21, the structure 460 can be folded andcollapsed by pushing or deforming straight portions 474, 476 towardseach other. In FIG. 22, the two large loops 452 and 453 are deformed sothat they overlie each other and crossover 478 is partly bent towardsstraight portion 476. In FIG. 23, crossover 478 is further bent towardsstraight portion 476, and then the steps in FIGS. 5D and 5E can beapplied to complete the twisting and folding. FIGS. 21-23 correspond toFIGS. 5-7 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,892.

[0062] FIGS. 24-29 illustrate how the principles of the presentinvention can be extended to the figure-eight structures of FIGS. 19 and20. For example, FIG. 24 illustrates a structure 500 that has anunderlying figure-eight structure 460 a that is the same as thestructure 460 in FIG. 20. A first add-on panel 502 can be hingedlycoupled to the straight portion 474 a, a second add-on panel 503 can behingedly connected (e.g., by stitching) to the fabric 470 a of the loop452 a along one side, and can be pivoted up and down to act as anawning, a third add-on panel 504 can be hingedly coupled to an edge ofthe first add-on panel 502, a fourth add-on panel 506 can be hingedlycoupled to the straight portion 476 a, and a fifth add-on panel 508 canbe removably attached (e.g., by Velcro™ pads) to the loop 453 a. In thisregard, the loop 453 a can be devoid of fabric so that the fifth add-onpanel 508 functions as a wall or door.

[0063] The structure 500 in FIG. 24 can be folded and collapsed by firstfolding the add-on panels 502, 503, 504 against each other and againstthe loop 452 a, and then folding or pushing the add-on panels 506, 508against each other and against the loop 453 a (see FIG. 25), and thenfollowing the steps illustrated in FIGS. 23, 5D and 5E.

[0064]FIG. 26 illustrates certain modifications that can be made to thestructure 500 shown in FIG. 24. The add-on panels 502, 503, 504, 506 and508 are replaced by other add-on panels. For example, a first add-onpanel 514 can be hingedly coupled along a first side 515 to a first side516 of the loop 452 a, and a second add-on panel 518 can be hingedlyconnected (e.g., by stitching) along a first side 519 to a second side520 of the panel 514. The second side 522 of the panel 518 can beremovably attached (e.g., by Velcro™ pads) to a second side 524 of theloop 452 a. Thus, the add-on panels 514 and 518 define an enclosure(i.e., like a hinged window) for the loop 452 a. The combined width ofthe add-on panels 514 and 518 can be the same as the width of the loop452 a, in which case the add-on panels 514 and 518 define a flat hingedwindow. Alternatively, the combined width of the add-on panels 514 and518 can be larger than the width of the loop 452 a, in which case theadd-on panels 514 and 518 define a V-shaped hinged window where the base(i.e., hinged connection at sides 519 and 520) extends away from theloop 452 a and the panels 514 and 518 are angled with respect to theloop 452 a.

[0065] In addition, a third add-on panel 528 can be hingedly coupled toa first side 530 of the loop 453 a. A fourth add-on panel 532 can alsobe removably attached (e.g., by Velcro™ pads) to the sides 524 and 530of the loops 452 a and 453 a, respectively, to define a removable wallor door.

[0066]FIG. 27 illustrates other modifications that can be made to thestructure 500 shown in FIG. 24. The add-on panels 502, 503, 504, 506 and508 are replaced by a pair of add-on panels 550 and 552 that arehingedly coupled to each other along adjacent top edges (e.g., see edge554). The bottom edge 556 of add-on panel 550 can be hingedly coupled tothe fabric 470 a of the loop 452 a, and the bottom edge 558 of add-onpanel 552 can be removably attached (e.g., by Velcro™ pads) to thefabric 472 a of the loop 453 a. The add-on panels 550 and 552 can beused as a top hut or roof cover for the underlying structure 460 a.

[0067] The structure 500 in FIG. 27 can be folded and collapsed by firstdetaching the connection at the bottom edge 558 of the panel 552, andthen folding the add-on panels 550, 552 against each other (see FIG.28). The panels 550, 552 are then folded against the loop 452 a (seeFIG. 29), and then the entire structure 500 is folded and collapsedaccording to the steps illustrated in FIGS. 23, 5D and 5E.

[0068] Each of the underlying or basic structures illustrated in FIGS.1, 14 and 20 can be considered to be an “add-on” item and combined withother basic structures. For example, FIG. 30 illustrates a structure 600that has an underlying figure-eight structure 460 b that is the same asthe structure 460 in FIG. 20. Three add-on panels 602, 604, 606 arehingedly connected to form a ring of panels 602, 604, 606 that can haveessentially the same structure and construction, and are hingedlyconnected to each other in the same manner, as three of the panels 22 a,22 b, 22 c and 22 d of structure 20, except that the panels 602 and 606each has a free side 608 and 610, respectively. The free side 608 ofpanel 602 is hingedly connected to one side 612 of the loop 452 b, andthe free side 610 of panel 606 is hingedly connected to another side 614of the loop 452 b.

[0069] The structure 600 in FIG. 30 can be folded and collapsed by firstpushing panels 604 and 606 inwardly against panel 602 and loop 452 b,respectively (see arrow 616), and then pushing the stack of two panels602 and 604 against the stack of panel 606 and loop 452 b (see arrow 618in FIG. 31). The structure 600 can then be folded and collapsedaccording to the steps illustrated in FIGS. 21-23.

[0070]FIG. 32 illustrates another example of how the principles of thepresent invention can be used to increase the amusement and utility ofexisting collapsible structures. In FIG. 32, the structure 700 has fourpanels 702, 704, 706, 708 that have essentially the same structure andconstruction, and are hingedly connected to each other in the samemanner, as the panels 22 a, 22 b, 22 c and 22 d of structure 20. Theonly difference is that the shapes of the panel 702 is shorter in heightthan the other panels 704, 706, 708, and the panel 706 is greater inheight than the other panels 702, 704, 708. In addition, fabric can beomitted from the panel 702, so that the panel 702 essentially forms alarge opening. Two add-on panels 710 and 712 can be added. A firstadd-on panel 710 can have the same shape and size as the panel 706, andhas a bottom side 714 that can be hingedly connected to the bottom side716 of the panel 702. A second add-on panel 712 can have the same shapeand size as the panel 702, and be provided without any fabric to form alarge opening, and has a bottom side 718 that can also be hingedlyconnected to the bottom side 716 of the panel 702. A first netting orfabric 720 can be stitched to the sides of the panels 702 and 712 toform a tunnel between the panels 702 and 712, and fabric or nettingpieces 722 and 724 can be stitched to the sides of the panels 710 and712 so that the panel 710 defines a ramp extending from the tunnel.

[0071] A basket 726 can be attached to the inner surface of the fabric728 of the panel 706, and a fabric hook piece 730 can be stitched orconnected to the top side 732 of the panel 706. Thus, the structure 700can be suspended from a door hook (via the fabric hook piece 730) in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 32. A user can then toss a ball at thebasket 726, and the ball is received inside the interior of thestructure 700 defined by the panels 702, 704, 706, 708, and thenreturned to the user via the ramp defined by the panel 710. In thisregard, the fabric or netting pieces 720, 722 and 724 define the maximumangle and extent to which the panel 710 can be suspended with respect tothe panel 702. When it is desired to pack up the structure 700 forstorage, the panel 710 be pushed against the panels 712 and 702 to forma stack of three panels 702, 712 and 710. To secure the panel 710against the panel 702, toggles (e.g., 740) provided on the sides (e.g.,742) of one panel (e.g., 704) can be slipped into loops (e.g., 744)provided on the panel 710, or opposing Velcro™ pads can be used. Theresulting structure 700 will then have four sides and resemble thestructure 20, at which point the structure 700 can be used in the samemanner as structure 20, or twisted and folded according to the steps inFIGS. 5A through 5E.

[0072] While the description above refers to particular embodiments ofthe present invention, it will be understood that many modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanyingclaims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within thetrue scope and spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible structure adapted to be supportedon a surface and comprising: at least three foldable frame members, eachhaving a folded and an unfolded orientation; a fabric material coveringportions of each frame member to form a side panel for each frame memberwhen the frame member is in the unfolded orientation; each side panelfurther including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with theleft side of each side panel coupled to the right side of an adjacentside panel, and the right side of each side panel coupled to the leftside of another adjacent side panel; wherein the bottom side of eachside panel rests on the surface to support the structure; and an add-onpanel coupled to a first of the side panels, the add-on panel having afoldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and afabric material covering portions of the frame member for the add-onpanel.
 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the bottom side of each sidepanel has opposing first and second ends, with the first end of thebottom side connected to the left side and the second end of the bottomside connected to the right side.
 3. The structure of claim 1, whereinthe left side and right side of each side panel is vertical.
 4. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the add-on panel is coupled to a firstside of the first side panel.
 5. The structure of claim 1, wherein theadd-on panel is coupled to the fabric of the first side panel.
 6. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the add-on panel is a first add-on panel,further including a second add-on panel coupled to a second of the sidepanels, the second add-on panel having a foldable frame member having afolded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material coveringportions of the frame member for the second add-on panel.
 7. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the add-on panel is a first add-on panel,further including a second add-on panel coupled to the first side panel,the second add-on panel having a foldable frame member having a foldedand an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material covering portions ofthe frame member for the second add-on panel.
 8. The structure of claim7, further including a third add-on panel coupled to a second of theside panels, the third add-on panel having a foldable frame memberhaving a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric materialcovering portions of the frame member for the third add-on panel.
 9. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the add-on panel is a first add-on panel,further including a second add-on panel coupled to the first add-onpanel, the second add-on panel having a foldable frame member having afolded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material coveringportions of the frame member for the second add-on panel.
 10. Thestructure of claim 9, wherein each of the frame members of the first andsecond add-on panels defines a closed loop and has opposing first andsecond sides, with the two frame members overlapping each other at afirst overlapping point along the first sides of the two frame members,and at a second overlapping point along the second sides of the twoframes members, the overlapping frame members defining a hinge portionabout which the two frame members are pivotable.
 11. The structure ofclaim 1, wherein each of the side panels and add-on panel are foldableon top of each other to have the frame members and their associatedfabric overlaying each other and with the overlaying frame memberscollapsible to the collapsed positions by twisting and folding to form aplurality of concentric rings and layers of fabric to substantiallyreduce the size of the structure in the collapsed position.
 12. Thestructure of claim 4, further including fabric for coupling the add-onpanel to a second side of the first side panel, the fabric limiting theextent to which the add-on panel can be pivoted with respect to thefirst side panel.
 13. A collapsible structure, comprising: a first basepanel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfoldedorientation, and a fabric material covering portions of the frame memberwhen the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the first panelhaving an outer periphery; a second panel having a foldable frame memberthat has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric materialcovering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in theunfolded orientation, the second panel being flexed and with the secondpanel having opposing first and second end edges that are attached tothe first panel so that the first and second panels define an interiorspace; and an add-on panel coupled to the second panel, the add-on panelhaving a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfoldedorientation, and a fabric material covering portions of the frame memberfor the add-on panel.
 14. The structure of claim 13, wherein the secondpanel has opposing first and second end edges that are attached to thefabric material of the first panel and offset from the outer periphery.15. The structure of claim 13, wherein the second panel has opposingfirst and second end edges that are attached to the outer periphery ofthe first panel.
 16. The structure of claim 13, wherein the add-on panelis coupled to a side of the second panel.
 17. The structure of claim 13,wherein the add-on panel is coupled to the fabric of the second panel.18. The structure of claim 13, wherein the add-on panel is a firstadd-on panel, further including a second add-on panel coupled to anotherside of the second panel, the second add-on panel having a foldableframe member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabricmaterial covering portions of the frame member for the second add-onpanel.
 19. The structure of claim 13, wherein the add-on panel includesa plurality of add-on panels, each add-on panel having a foldable framemember having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabricmaterial covering portions of the frame member for the respective add-onpanel, with each add-on panel having a first side and a second side, andwith the first side of each add-on panel coupled to the second side ofan adjacent add-on panel to form a ring of add-on panels.
 20. Thestructure of claim 13, wherein the add-on panel is a first add-on panel,further including a second add-on panel coupled to the first add-onpanel, the second add-on panel having a foldable frame member having afolded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material coveringportions of the frame member for the second add-on panel.
 21. Thestructure of claim 13, wherein each of the panels and add-on panel arefoldable on top of each other to have the frame members and theirassociated fabric overlaying each other and with the overlaying framemembers collapsible to the collapsed positions by twisting and foldingto form a plurality of concentric rings and layers of fabric tosubstantially reduce the size of the structure in the collapsedposition.
 22. A collapsible structure, comprising: a first base panelhaving a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfoldedorientation, and a fabric material covering portions of the frame memberwhen the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the first panelhaving an outer periphery; a second panel having a foldable frame memberthat has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric materialcovering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in theunfolded orientation, the second panel being flexed and with the secondpanel having opposing first and second end edges that are attached tothe first panel so that the first and second panels define an interiorspace; and an add-on panel coupled to the first panel, the add-on panelhaving a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfoldedorientation, and a fabric material covering portions of the frame memberfor the add-on panel.
 23. The structure of claim 22, wherein the add-onpanel is coupled to a side of the first panel.
 24. The structure ofclaim 22, wherein the add-on panel is coupled to the fabric of the firstpanel.
 25. A collapsible structure, comprising: a wall panel having afoldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, anda fabric covering portions of the frame member when the frame member isin the unfolded orientation, the wall panel being flexed and with thewall panel having opposing first and second end edges that arepositioned on a surface when the structure is in an upright orientationso that the wall panel defines an interior space; and an add-on panelcoupled to the wall panel, the add-on panel having a foldable framemember having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabricmaterial covering portions of the frame member for the add-on panel. 26.The structure of claim 25, wherein the add-on panel is coupled to a sideof the wall panel.
 27. The structure of claim 25, wherein the add-onpanel is coupled to the fabric of the wall panel.
 28. The structure ofclaim 25, further including means associated with a side of the wallpanel for maintaining the wall panel in a flexed orientation.
 29. Acollapsible structure, comprising: a frame member that has a folded andan unfolded orientation, the frame member having a figure-eightconfiguration when in the unfolded orientation, the figure-eightconfiguration defining a first loop, a second loop, and a crossover thatforms the apex of the frame member in the unfolded orientation and withthe first and second loops extending downwardly from the apex; a fabricmaterial covering portions of the frame member inside the first andsecond loops when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation; andan add-on panel coupled to the first loop, the add-on panel having afoldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and afabric material covering portions of the frame member for the add-onpanel.
 30. The structure of claim 29, wherein each of the first andsecond loops has a straight portion opposite the crossover, eachstraight portion resting on a surface.
 31. The structure of claim 30,wherein the add-on panel is coupled to the straight portion of the firstloop.
 32. The structure of claim 29, wherein the add-on panel is coupledto the fabric material of the first loop.
 33. The structure of claim 31,wherein the add-on panel is a first add-on panel, further including asecond add-on panel coupled to the straight portion of the second loop,the second add-on panel having a foldable frame member having a foldedand an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material covering portions ofthe frame member for the second add-on panel.
 34. The structure of claim31, wherein the add-on panel is a first add-on panel, further includinga second add-on panel coupled to the first add-on panel, the secondadd-on panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and anunfolded orientation, and a fabric material covering portions of theframe member for the second add-on panel.
 35. The structure of claim 34,wherein the second add-on panel is also coupled to the second loop. 36.A collapsible structure, comprising: a frame member that has a foldedand an unfolded orientation, the frame member having a figure-eightconfiguration when in the unfolded orientation, the figure-eightconfiguration defining a first loop, a second loop, and a crossover thatforms the apex of the frame member in the unfolded orientation and withthe first and second loops extending downwardly from the apex; a fabricmaterial covering portions of the frame member inside the first andsecond loops when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation; andan add-on panel coupled to the first and second loops, the add-on panelhaving a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfoldedorientation, and a fabric material covering portions of the frame memberfor the add-on panel.
 37. The structure of claim 36, wherein each of thefirst and second loops has a straight portion opposite the crossover,each straight portion resting on a surface.
 38. A collapsible structure,comprising: a frame member that has a folded and an unfoldedorientation, the frame member having a figure-eight configuration whenin the unfolded orientation, the figure-eight configuration defining afirst loop, a second loop, and a crossover that forms the apex of theframe member in the unfolded orientation and with the first and secondloops extending downwardly from the apex; a fabric material coveringportions of the frame member inside the first and second loops when theframe member is in the unfolded orientation; and first, second and thirdadd-on panels, each add-on panel having a foldable frame member having afolded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material coveringportions of the frame member for the respective add-on panel, with eachadd-on panel having a first side and a second side, and with the firstside of the first add-on panel coupled to the first loop, the secondside of the first add-on panel coupled to the first side of the secondadd-on panel, the second side of the second add-on panel coupled to thefirst side of the third add-on panel, and the second side of the thirdadd-on panel coupled to the first loop.
 39. The structure of claim 38,wherein each of the first and second loops has a straight portionopposite the crossover, each straight portion resting on a surface.